“Marketing a disease is the best way to market a drug,” notes the well-known breast cancer expert, Dr. Susan Love. When it comes to Osteopenia and Osteoporosis, this statement rings especially true.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Osteopenia, chances are your doctor prescribed Actonel, Boniva, or Fosamax. Surprisingly, these are the exact same drugs used to “cure” Osteoporosis. You might rightly ask how come there is no distinction with the medicine and dosage prescribed for Osteopenia and for Osteoporosis. So let’s explore this “modern medicine” mystery together to finally uncover the truth.
It is important to remember that the diagnostic criteria for Osteopenia (along with Osteoporosis) was imposed in the early 90’s by the World Health Organization and quickly adopted by doctors. Using the T-Score as the ultimate ‘guiding light’, anybody with a standard deviation of -1 up to -2.50 is deemed to have Osteopenia and is hastily prescribed a drug.
Here’s how The Merck Manual, (the best-selling medical encyclopedia) defines Osteopenia: “In millions of women and men over 50, bone density (mass) is low but not low enough to be considered Osteoporosis. These people have Osteopenia (which means deficient bone). They are at risk of developing Osteoporosis as they grow older.” (The Merck Manual of Health and Aging, Section 3, Chapter 22).
By the way, Merck & Co. is the maker of the number one best-selling bone treatment drug Fosamax. Very conveniently (for Merck and other bone drug makers), patients “diagnosed” with Osteopenia are given the same treatment as those who have the full-fledged Osteoporosis verdict. This translates into billions of dollars in sales…and yet, there are no signs of an actual “disease”; only a potential for this condition to develop into Osteoporosis.
I am surprised that well-meaning health practitioners apply this concept because it simply makes no sense. Luckily, a few prominent doctors are aware of this and are trying to spread the truth.
For example, bone health expert Steve Cummings, MD, a professor at the San Francisco School of Medicine (University of California), says that there was neither real medical basis for developing a unique term such as “Osteopenia” nor to choosing the arbitrary T-score number for its diagnosis. He comments that “Osteopenia is not a disease, does not indicate a high risk of fracture in the next five to ten years, and is really almost a variant of normal. What I tell women in their 50s is that having Osteopenia means their bones are different than those of a 25-year-old and I note that there are probably many things about them that differ from when they were 25”. This is truly a breath of fresh air and gives me hope for the future!
I’d like to go one step further and present you with an analogy. For example, a slightly overweight person has a greater chance of developing diabetes than if he or she is at the ideal weight. So there is a newly defined condition you might have heard of called pre-diabetes, which is determined by a couple of blood glucose tests.
But here’s the difference between Osteopenia and pre-diabetes: there is no prescription drug treatment for a pre-diabetic. Instead, the American Diabetes Association writes as follows (http://www.diabetes.org/pre-diabetes/faq.jsp):
“Treatment consists of losing a modest amount of weight (5-10 percent of total body weight) through diet and moderate exercise, such as walking, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Don’t worry if you can’t get to your ideal body weight. A loss of just 10 to 15 pounds can make a huge difference.”
You see, mainstream medicine could not come up with a newly invented disease in this case (such as diabetenia) because it would be life-threatening to excessively lower a patient’s blood sugar with diabetes drugs. Otherwise - trust me on this - all pre-diabetics would be prescribed diabetes medicines.
Clearly, doctors should educate their patients on how to PREVENT osteoporosis instead of prescribing potentially toxic osteoporosis drugs. But unfortunately, most doctors have been indoctrinated to think that the best way to solve a health problem is with a “magic pill”, and often don’t bother with natural solutions. Of course there will be the obligatory calcium recommendation (typically by incorrectly suggesting an INCREASE in dairy consumption), but that’s where it all ends…
Don’t get me wrong, doctors mean well and may not be aware that they end up killing an ant with an elephant. And last but not least, doctors don’t learn about Nutrition and are completely ignorant of this extremely important aspect of natural health maintenance and healing.
Thankfully, there is a natural and drug-free way to have strong and healthy bones. I hope that you will use your knowledge and your freedom to choose wisely… and when in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or by sending me an email. I’m here to answer your questions and to listen to your comments.
Here’s to your educated decisions,
Vivian
Hi Vivian,
I am so doing everything you mentioned in your book, butstill have a few questions.
What do you think of Tums as a way of getting calcium and also decreasing the acid in our digestive system?
Do you recommend Glucosomine with chrondritin? Are there studies that show it helps bones?
Do you have an opinion on ipriflavone, or papaya extract pills?
My nails still have vertical lines and I have been on your diet four months. When do you think they might show that I am absorbing calcium again?
Thank you so much for answering these.
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
I’m glad to hear that you ‘re following the Bone Health Action Plan I explain in my book. Keep it up! Your question about Tums brings up a Catch 22 situation. Here’s why: without enough stomach acid we can’t absorb calcium. For example, taking proton pump inhibitors for an extended period of time (like Nexium or Prevacid) can cause excessive bone loss. Calcium is a great acid neutralizer,and that is why it’s the active ingredient in Tums.
Glucosamine and chondroitin may improve joint mobility. Ipriflavone has been shown to alter normal bone metabolism, something that in the long run may be a detriment rather than help . Moreover, there have been cases of lymphocytopenia in women taking ipriflavone .Papaya extract (papain) may act as a digestive aid but be careful with the dosage. A few cases of damage to the esophagus have been reported.
Any biochemical change typically takes at least 6 months to show…That explains why your nails still have the vertical lines.
Best regards,
Vivian
Hi Vivian I have been on fosamax for 11yrs came of it when my cousin in North Carolia told me about you so, I have been off it for 4 months I seem to be alright apart from this week i have developed toothache pluss a loose tooth will that have anything to do with Fosamax sue
Hi Sue,
Fosamax is “innocent” until proven “guilty”…(just a little joke here). But seriously now, your dentist will be able to give you the final “verdict”.
Take care,
Vivian
I had a bone density scan and it indicated that I was “at high risk for fracture”. I had been on Tamoxofin for almost 5 years. My doctor prescribed Fosomax and I got acid reflux. I went off the Fasomax with the knowledge of my doctor and she prescribed Actonel (once per week) which I was able to tolerate. I had been doing strength and resistance training 2 times a week and making sure that I included calcium in my diet supplemented with calcium medication. I have since gone off Actonel because my last bone density scan showed improvement in bone density. My doctor agreed that there was no need to keep taking medication as long as I kept up with the exercises and calcium intake. Unfortunately, I stilll have acid reflux.
Great news about your bone health (and your doctor), Pat. If you’re taking proton-pump inhibitors for the reflux, they might compromise your calcium absorption and pH balance. You see, we need an acidic environment in the stomach to properly absorb minerals and digest foods. I understand that reflux is very uncomfortable and that by now you might have identified the foods that cause you the most discomfort… Be patient and feel free to get back to me if your reflux does not improve in a month or so.
Regards,
Vivian
I recently had a bi-lateral mastsectomie. I do not have to have Chemo or radiation, but the oncologist wants me to take either tamoxafen or amidex (not sure this is the correct spelling). I am going to take the Amidex, which may cause bone loss. My Bone Density test showed Osteropenia, I am 63.
What can I do to stave off any further deterioration and even possibly build bone density.
Respectfully, Zita
Hi Zita,
The drug is Arimidex and it may cause a reduction in bone mineral because it reduces the amount of circulating estrogen.Your best and safest bet is to follow the bone health plan in my book, that you’ve already purchased. By maintaining a balanced pH you can protect your bones from calcium loss and greatly increase your chances of a successful therapy with Arimidex. Scientific studies have shown that cancer cells benefit from an acidic environment.
Wishing you all the best,
Vivian
Hi Vivian,
I’ve enjoyed your comments and will buy your book The Bone Healty Revolution. This is my first time on your web site. I signed up Save our Bones Club. I have been diagnost with the beginings of Osterpenia. Five years ago I had good bone for my age (then I was 64) I spent a lot of time in the gym. I haven’t been in the gym for 5 years and I need to get back into the gym. I take calcium. My feeling is I need to be in the gym! I also go for natural means, but don’t have a good grasp on what to do. I use to juice fruits and veg. and am thinking to start up again. Do you have any advice for me.
I want to thank you for your web site. It is important for men and women to know about bone disease. My grandmother and mother had Osteoprosis (very painful)
Thank you for your time and effort.
Jill Miles
I have slight osterpenia in my lower back, no other medical problems. The past few weeks, when I’m sitting and lean forward or sideways, the bones in my back pop. It doesn’t hunt, just annoying. Is it something to be concerned about? Thank you.
I was diagnosed with osteopenia last year and prescribed boniva.I began taking this drug in September of 2007 and experienced persistent chills blurred vision and a general feeling of just not being up to par.I also noticed my left wrist joints becoming mildly painful. then the right wrist and my leg muscles began to be bothersome after just very short walks of no more then 50 yards.01/30/08 after taking my monthly dose of Boniva at 7 am within 15 to 20 minutes I got a feeling of doom and being sick I layed back down on the couch for a few minutes when the itching of my hands then my head began and it then moved to my feet and ankles followed by an all over head to toe rash.Also my tongue and lips began to feel very strange and I knew I was in trouble. I was treated in a local hospital ER and placed on prednisone. The next problem occured within 2 days after taking my next dose.My right jaw began to hurt and pain became severe , I was certain I had an abcess festering.My Dentist was just as suprised as I was when Xrays revealed no infection or any other dental problem.This episode lasted about a week and vanished.By May 08 my left hand was so bothersome it was painful to just pick up my cup of coffee and opening a door or jar impossible the right was also affected but not as severe, (there is an old injury to my left wrist)and being a lefty it is my predominant hand in all I do. I finally came to the conclusion after doing a lot of research that it had to be side effects to the Boniva.I took no additional doses and by my next scheduled Checkup in September 08 most of the side effects to Boniva were resolving or have disappeared all together.My wrist joints are still a little bothersome but have returned to functional as before taking the Boniva.My Doctor concurred my findings but recommended another Medication Miacalcin.My research on this Medication raised red flags as joint pain, vision problems are also noted.I have decline taking any further Medication as I do not want to go through another experience as I have with Boniva.Dr. Edwards understood and recommended to stay on the 1200 mg of calcium+D and weight bearing exercises.
I came across your web site as I was researching the other day and I thank you for your efforts to give patients the knowledge to make an informed choice.
I will order your book by calling the given phone No. I read the sampler and want to find out more.
I have just come across your website and I am intrigued. My husband at 49 has been diagnosed with osteopenia as a result of a fracture, 6 months later with non healing, more surgery,bone stimulator, endocrinologists visits, rehab, and nothing seems to be making any difference with bone deposition. He has now had an auto graft from his hip. My concern is that there is clearly a bigger problem of calcium absorption and deposition. The next step we are told is to take fosamax but I just do not think that is the answer.
Hi Vivian, I just received my diagnosis of severe bone loss of hip and mild bone loss of spine and my Doctor prescribed Fosamax. I have taken Fosamax, Miacalcin, Fortical, and Boniva with serious side effects from all of these medications. I went online to research Fosamax and came across your information. I have ordered your book and am looking forward to reading it and following your recommendations and hopefully I can overcome this without taking the prescribed medication.
Ann